SCH Number 2023120577

Project Info

Title

Sandridge Irrigation Pipeline Extension Project

Description

The proposed project encompasses construction of an approximately 5.5-mile long, underground 48-inch irrigation water pipeline that would connect to and from existing Sandridge water distribution systems and replace existing open irrigation ditches. The proposed project includes segments that are both constructed (approximately 3.2 miles) and yet to be constructed (approximately 2.3 miles); these segments collectively comprise the proposed project (approximately 5.5 total miles of pipeline). New construction would involve the installation of a 48-inch diameter HDPE pipeline approximately 200 feet across the Tulare Lake Canal, controlled by Tulare Lake Canal Company (TLCC) and accessed on Sandridge-owned land with a 120-foot right-of-way held by TLCC for the canal. The pipeline would be installed approximately 4 feet below the channel of the Tulare Lake Canal. The pipeline is designed so that when installation of the pipeline and restoration of the canal is complete, the pipeline would not interfere with the canal’s transportation of water or otherwise affect the integrity of the earthen canal. New construction would also involve the replacement of approximately 2.3 miles of existing canal that experiences significant water loss due to evaporation on Sandridge-owned land located north of Kent Avenue and south of Jersey Avenue near Stratford to State Route 41. Installation of the new pipeline would require crossings under Kent Avenue, Kansas Avenue, and State Route 41. The pipeline would be installed at a depth of approximately 3.5 to 4 feet below the surface. The previously constructed sections of the proposed project encompass approximately 2.4 miles of underground 48-inch diameter HDPE pipeline installed at a depth of approximately 3.5 to 4 feet below the surface of the existing canal between State Route 41 and the north side of the Tulare Lake Canal, as well as approximately 0.8 mile of 48-inch diameter HDPE pipeline installed below the existing canal from the south side of the Tulare Lake Canal to Blakely Canal. Operation of the proposed project would involve the transport of groundwater supplies from seven existing Sandridge groundwater wells located north of Stratford (in addition to any residual runoff that flows into the open sections of Sandridge irrigation canals) to irrigate approximately 3,200 acres of existing Sandridge-owned farmlands located in the vicinity of Stratford within Kings County. Any residual water in the pipeline after the irrigation season would be released into Blakely Canal. The proposed project would not result in an increase in groundwater pumping or surface water use and would result in the availability of additional irrigation water supply relative to existing conditions as a result of reduced water loss due to soil percolation and evaporation. It is not proposed that the additional water be used to expand operations for either Sandridge or other farms.

2 documents in project